Paul Oakenfold, U2, George Winston, The Police, Vince Guaraldi, Sting, Bob Marley, INXS, Duran Duran, The Doors, Rage Against the Machine, Nirvana, Arcade Fire, Barenaked Ladies, Beck, Blues Traveler, BoDeans, Cake, Crash Test Dummies, October Project, Freddy Jones Band, The Samples, Journey, Ottmar Liebert, Led Zeppelin, Men at Work, Pearl Jam, John Mayer, David Sandborn, Coldplay, The Cars, Train, Moby, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, James Taylor, David Gray, Lenny Kravitz, R.E.M., Dave Matthews, Jimmy Eat World, Elton John, Stone Temple Pilots, Sarah McLachlan, Enya, Norah Jones, Sade, Enigma, Peter Gabriel, etc.
By the time he was twelve Rob Costlow was annoying his piano instructor by adding unwritten endings to songs during rehearsals and recitals.
This soon brought an end to the lessons that began at age five.
"I hated, literally hated, taking lessons and especially practicing other people's music," admits Rob.
It was another piano player, platinum selling, new age artist George Winston, who fueled this rebellion. After one of Rob's brothers introduced him to Winston's music, Rob realized that his musical future was going to take a different path than the one set by his teachers.
"It was so different than typical piano music," says Costlow. "It's what drove me to create my own. I said to myself 'I can do this--this is a way that I could actually enjoy piano and benefit from all of these lessons and practicing.' It allowed me to express myself and also provide a great stress relief."
While Rob has come a long way since those lessons and been through a variety of life experiences, his love for creating original compositions is still at the heart of his contemporary solo piano music. His compositions are inspired by love of his family, including his wife Melissa. Travels throughout the United States, Canada, Italy, Mexico, and the Caribbean also provide inspiration.
"Traveling shows me how much is out there and how there is so much diversity in the world," says Rob.
Growing up in a large family helped Rob become focused and tenacious. As the youngest of six boys, Rob had to get used to seizing every opportunity that came his way. While working on his Masters Degree, Rob unofficially started his own record label, Tourist Records, based on a fictitious business plan. In 2002, Rob released his first professional solo project, Sophomore Jinx (re-released 2005), containing all original music. He officially founded Tourist Records in 2004.
Through Tourist Records, Rob wants to license music for use in television and film as well as help other artists who are dedicated to creating original music make their own impact in the world.
"Music is a release from the stresses of the world," says Costlow. "I never force myself to write. I do it when it comes to me. I'm taking things a day at a time."
Trucker Tom's (http://truckertom.podshow.com/) "Montana Oblivion" video set to "Meant To Be." The video is Tom driving in southeast Montana on a two-lane road.
"Meant to Be" Video 2
Thanks to Norman at MusicPodVision (from Germany) for helping to create and showcase Rob's first music video. Henrique Roscoe (an artist from Brazil) put together the video.
"L.A./Passing By" Video
....
Rob's buddy Adam put this great video together for his daughter's birthday.
Dear Rob Thank you that you have your door open for me. You are so wonderful music that I could not do it over. It is incredibly touching how sensitive you hear inside you and you perceive your surroundings to see how much you as a musician for your dream, for your freedom, fight to make music. Respect that you have your own label. It means a lot of responsibility but also freedom to decide what is good for you. A wonderful website, Rob. Absolutely awesome that I read in my language. Thank you very much. Very touching to read how music has move you in your life. Which ways, sometimes perhaps hard ways full of stones you must go to do what you love.
The Sounds like me very well, even if I do not have all heard. But especially "Friend" touch me deeply and "Not Alone". I'm not alone, especially not if you love music.
What would my life without music? What would my life, the world WITHOUT musicians such as the live their dream, their Insprirationen in the form of sounds magical gift. In any case, my world for a few experiences, sensations and feelings poorer. I need it and live with the music. Music was, is and remains an important outlet for me. I wish you continued joy and positive energy for your music. It is wonderful to read that you have a strong family in your background. Everything luck in the world for you and your loves ones...
Love and Respect Mabi
Now I hope you understand anything of my writing:)
I just heard about your new album that you're working on. I am absolutely ecstatic at the news! I simply cannot wait; however I don't exactly have a choice, now do I?
Keep up the great work. I'll be camping out in front of the virtual doors of magnatune. com from now until release.
Hi again! So you know how I said I would post a video in less than a month? Well...it's taking a wee bit longer than that =/ I've been trying to play WITH your music and I find myself stumbling across the keys and forgetting where to go next =[ It's pretty frustrating. But soon!!!! It will be there soon!!
I've also been trying to figure out how to play Twilight and Bliss. Difficult, it is.
Thank you for the add!! I love your music!! I bought your "I Do" piece and I am anxiously waiting for more sheet music!! I've been frantically learning the song so that I can record it and show it to you :D But I won't record it until it is PERFECT! I've ALMOST got it down. You can expect to see the video in less than a month!!
Hey man, I really enjoy your music, a lot. It's one of my greater influences, up there with the likes of George Winston and Yiruma. I compose my own music as well, and whereas it's not nearly as polished or perfected as your own, I feel I'm improving. If you could give me some feedback sometime, it would be immensely helpful. Thanks!
Rob! Hey... Merry Christmas! Gosh, I need to order some CDs of yours! Anyway, hope you are great.... so when are we all getting together? Hope to see you soon!
Hey Rob. Thanks for accepting. I love the piano and enjoy your music very much. Just relaxing and perfect for day-dreaming. Have a great week. Greetings ;-)
My cat recently passed. He was predominantly an outdoor cat, but during his last days he remained in my room till the end listening to your music. He passed with Goodbye playing. The amount of happiness your music brings is indescribable.
Just letting you know that I still enjoy your music just about every single day! It's a great relief to be able to come home from a stressful day at work and relax to your music.
Keep it up, I look forward to your next album, whenever it may be announced and released (note to others: I am not implying that one has been planned). Take you time, and it will be as good if not better than the two already released! :-)
Hey there. I've been thinking bout playing your music for my piano solo for college, but you don't have Meant To Be for sale (sheet music). Is there gonna be a wider selection coming out at all any time soon or is it just gonna be I Do?
so i was looking at your page and noticed that with this comment, i get rid of a comment i left you.. .how funny is that? anywho... me and my fiancee' have decided that we're using your song "meant to be" in our wedding... we're not quite sure how yet, but we're thinking that while we're taking communion that it'll be playing softly in the background.it will be great.
Your music is truly amazing. I think "Family" is my favorite song of yours. I listen to it while I'm studying and while taking tests if the teacher allows. It's very calming. Anyways, can't wait for the new album!
Thanks for sharing your music with the world! Your site has been added to two great indie music directories: Support Indie Music and The Free Music Directory. Free listings available for quality bands that share at least one free MP3 download.
Rob!!! It was indeed so great to talk with you again last night. You are so right... the years go by so fast. Look what time can do.. you are a huge star now! =) OK, I"m not just saying this b/c you're my friend (and now myspace friend ;)), but I REALLY like your music!! I just sit, listen, contemplate, relax &, well, not sure how to say it..love the rhythm, melodies- just the simplistic beauty of the piano & your composition. Way to bring the piano to life & bless us with the opportunity to listen! love it! keep playing........and we'll see you soon!
